People across the world marked the end of 2025 on Wednesday, ushering in the New Year after one of the hottest years on record, shaped by global trade tensions, conflict in Gaza and lingering hopes for peace in Ukraine.
In his New Year address, Russian President Vladimir Putin told citizens that military “heroes” would secure victory in Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country was “10 percent” away from reaching an agreement to end the war.
New Year celebrations in Sydney began on a solemn note as revellers observed a minute of silence for victims of the Bondi Beach shooting, before fireworks illuminated the city at midnight.
Celebrating in Moscow, pensioner Natalia Spirina said she hoped that in 2026 “our military operation to end as soon as possible, for the guys to come home and for peace and stability to finally be established in Russia”.
In Ukraine, Vyshgorod-based beauty salon manager Daria Lushchyk said the war had turned her work into “hell”, but noted that clients continued to show up.
“Nothing can stop our Ukrainian girls from coming in and getting themselves glam,” she said.
Back in Sydney, heavy security was deployed as hundreds of thousands gathered near the harbour. Events paused briefly before midnight, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge lit in white to symbolise peace.
Pacific nations such as Kiribati and New Zealand were the first to welcome 2026, followed by celebrations in cities including Seoul, Tokyo and Sydney, with festivities stretching westward to Europe and the Americas. In Brazil, more than two million people were expected at Copacabana Beach for what authorities described as the world’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration.
In Hong Kong, a planned fireworks display was cancelled in respect of 161 people killed in a deadly apartment fire in November.
The outgoing year was marked by global contrasts, ranging from conflict and economic strain to cultural trends and major events. Donald Trump returned as United States president in January and rolled out sweeping tariffs that unsettled global markets. Using his social media platform, he wrote, “Isn’t it nice to have a STRONG BORDER, No Inflation, a powerful Military, and great Economy??? Happy New Year!”
After two years of war in Gaza, international pressure helped broker a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October, though both sides accused each other of violations.
“We bid farewell to 2025 with deep sorrow and grief,” said Gaza City resident Shireen Al-Kayali. “We lost a lot of people and our possessions. We lived a difficult and harsh life, displaced from one city to another, under bombardment and in terror.”
In Syria, however, residents of Damascus marked a year since the fall of Bashar al-Assad with optimism.
“There is no fear, the people are happy, all of Syria is one and united, and God willing … it will be a good year for the people and the wise leadership,” said marketing manager Sahar al-Said.
“I hope, God willing, that we will love each other. Loving each other is enough,” said Bashar al-Qaderi.
In Dubai, thousands queued for hours to witness an elaborate fireworks and laser display at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, as pyrotechnics and LED effects lit up the skyline.
Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to feature major sporting, technological and space milestones. Plans include a crewed lunar mission under NASA’s Artemis II programme, growing scrutiny over artificial intelligence, the Winter Olympics in Italy, and the largest football World Cup ever, to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
